Calculate your living costs
Planning and budgeting is the key to managing your money well at university. But what will your living costs be?
Living costs - rich text section
Manchester is a great place to live and study. With so much on your doorstep, you’ll want to balance your finances and make the most of your student experience.
You’ll need to cover the cost of living - whether that’s through maintenance loans, savings, part-time work, or financial contributions from your family. Your costs will be much lower if you are commuting to campus.
It can be difficult to precisely calculate your living costs - a lot depends on your lifestyle. Setting a budget will help you get the most out of your time at Manchester Met, without running up unexpected debts.
Here we look at some of the key things to think about when you are planning your finances.
Essential living costs
Accommodation
Your biggest monthly expense will be the roof over your head. What you pay will depend on whether you are in halls or renting privately, as well as the standard of accommodation you want and the location.
Visit the Manchester Student Homes website to check the cost of average rents for private accommodation. You can also check rents for University-owned accommodation.
Shopping
Food, toiletries and other household items. Unsurprisingly, this is the second biggest expense for most students after they have paid their rent.
- Expect to pay at least: £170 a month.
Household bills
The cost of broadband, water and energy are included in your rent in our halls. But they are likely to be extra if you are renting a private property. This figure will be higher or lower depending on your individual living arrangements.
- Expect to pay at least: £80 a month.
Other monthly expenses
Here are some of the other common costs you should be budgeting for when planning your year at university.
Mobile phone
Few of us could imagine life without our phones, so you might also want to think about insurance as well as your standard contract.
- Expect to pay at least: £12 a month.
Clothes, shoes and accessories
Even if you arrive with a full, new wardrobe, you are going to need some new items during the year.
- Expect to pay at least : £33 a month.
Going out and socialising
Taking a break from your studies is important and fortunately, there’s loads to do in Manchester. Cinemas, theatres, galleries, clubs, and gigs are all within easy reach of campus.
- Expect to pay at least: £55 a month.
Eating out
Whether it is lunch on campus between lectures or food with friends at the weekend, it soon mounts up.
- Expect to pay at least: £30 a month on takeaways.
Public transport
Manchester has great public transport: buses, trams and rail. Season tickets can bring journey prices down.
- Expect to pay at least: £15 a week.
Trips home
If you plan on going home to see family and friends, make an allowance for the coach or rail fares.
- Check transport fares to your preferred locations. See if you’re eligible for a railcard.
Trips
One of the brilliant things about Manchester is how central the city is. Lots of other great sights and cities are within easy reach.
- Expect to pay at least: £30 a month.
Self-care and wellbeing
Things such as keeping fit, dental treatments, and contact lenses.
- Expect to pay at least: £30 a month.
Course-related costs
Books, consumables, and printing charges. Can vary significantly between courses, which is a good thing to check on an open day.
- Expect to pay at least: £10 a month.
Home entertainment
A night in with your mates can be a good way to save cash, especially if you can find student deals on streaming services.
- Expect to pay at least: £5 a month.
There are other costs to think about. Bank charges and fees can mount up if you are running an overdraft. Christmas and birthday presents still need buying. If you have a hobby you want to maintain, it should be in your budget.